Sen. Blood wants Nebraska to ratify century-old constitutional amendment

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Executive Board of the Nebraska Legislature held a hearing Friday on a resolution by Sen. Carol Blood to ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

In 1924, an amendment was proposed that would authorize Congress to regulate the labor of anyone under the age of 19.

The amendment never reached the threshold — three-fourths of the states — needed to be adopted.

Blood said that while this resolution wouldn’t change any laws about child labor, it would show that Nebraska stands against child exploitation.

“This resolution is not about preventing … children from learning how to be responsible. It’s not about disallowing Nebraska children to generate income,” Blood said. “It’s about making sure that those who are working are protected, are seen, and given opportunities to rise, not stumble, because they are lacking sleep.”

Blood is hoping Nebraska could be the catalyst to finally get the amendment ratified by the required number of states.

If Nebraska votes to ratify it, there would only be nine states left.

Blood believes there is a good chance it could be adopted in the next two years.